What is the Museu do Futebol?
Brazil's football museum, built under the stands of the historic Pacaembu stadium, which opened in 1940. It tells the story of football in Brazil and of Brazil's place in world football: the five World Cups, legends like Pelé, Garrincha, Zico, Romário, Ronaldo and Marta, and how the game shaped Brazilian culture.
It's highly interactive, with sound, film, radio commentary and games, including a penalty kick challenge that measures the speed of your shot. You don't need to love football to enjoy it.
Tickets
Prices change, so check the museum's website. Buying online lets you pick a time slot and skip the ticket desk.
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How busy is the museum?
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Go when it’s quiet: see live crowds and the hourly forecast.
How to skip the queue
- Book online with a time slot.
- Free Tuesday tickets go fast. Book as early as possible.
- Go Wednesday to Friday at 9 am.
- Check the stadium's event calendar before going.
What you'll see
- The Angels Barrocos: legendary players projected as floating figures.
- The World Cups room: every tournament since 1930, with Brazil's five titles.
- Pelé and Garrincha rooms.
- The Radio room: famous goal commentaries.
- The penalty kick game and other interactive games.
- Women's football, with Marta and the history of the women's game in Brazil.
- Under the stands: walk inside the structure of the 1940 stadium.
Insider tips
- First Tuesday of the month is free and open late, good for an evening visit.
- Bring kids: under 7s are free and the games keep them busy.
- Look for special exhibitions around World Cups and anniversaries.
- The shop sells retro shirts and books.
Mistakes to avoid
- Going on a Monday (closed).
- Turning up on a free Tuesday without a pre-booked ticket.
- Arriving after 5 pm, the last entry.
The stadium
The museum is built under the stands of the Estádio do Pacaembu, the art deco municipal stadium opened in 1940, which hosted matches in the 1950 World Cup. The square in front, Praça Charles Miller, is named after the São Paulo-born son of a Scottish engineer, credited with bringing football to Brazil in 1894. The stadium has been redeveloped in recent years, but the museum remains in its original home under the stands.
Best time to visit
Wednesday to Friday mornings are calmest. Tuesdays are free for everyone, which makes them the busiest day, with school groups and local families, so book a free slot online early in the week. Weekends are busy, especially around big matches. The first Tuesday of the month has extended hours into the evening.
Hour-by-hour crowds, live status and weather: daily crowd forecast for Football (Soccer) Museum →
Is the Museu do Futebol worth it?
Yes: it's one of the best football museums in the world and one of São Paulo's most enjoyable museums, even for non-fans. At R$24 (or free on Tuesdays), it's great value.
FAQs
How much is the Museu do Futebol?
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R$24 full price and R$12 half price. Under 7s are free, and everyone is free on Tuesdays with an online booking.
Is the Football Museum free on Tuesdays?
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Yes, but you must book a free ticket online in advance.
Is the Museu do Futebol open on Mondays?
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No, it's closed on Mondays.
What are the opening hours?
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Tuesday to Sunday, 9 am-6 pm, last entry 5 pm. Until 9 pm on the first Tuesday of the month.
How long do you need?
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About 2 hours.
What's the best time to visit?
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Heading to Football (Soccer) Museum?
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How we research: every guide is written by the BeatTheCrowd team from official sources and recent traveller reports, cross-checked against each other, and dated so you know how fresh it is. Last checked 29 October 2026. Prices and rules change, so always confirm on the official site before you book.
